Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015[Jun]; 30 (6): 910-7 PMID25170095show ga
The discovery of novel classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has revolutionized medicine. Long time thought as a mere cellular housekeeper, surprising functions have recently been uncovered. microRNAs (miRNAs), a representative of the class of short ncRNAs, play a fundamental role in the control of DNA and protein biosynthesis and activity as well as pathology. Currently miRNAs are investigated as diagnostic and prognostic markers and potentially therapeutic targets in kidney transplantation for such indolent processes as ischemia-reperfusion injury, humoral rejection or viral infections. It is realistic to believe that monitoring of renal allograft recipients in the future will include genome-wide miRNA profiling of biological fluids. Based on these individual profiles an informed decision on therapeutic consequences will be possible. First success with a specific suppression of miRNAs by antisense oligonucleotides was achieved in experimental studies of reperfusion injury and humoral rejection. Proof of this concept in men comes from studies in such indolent viral infections as Ebola and hepatitis C where anti-miR therapy led to sustained viral clearance.In this review we summarize the basis of the recent non-coding RNA revolution and its implication for kidney transplantation.